Ed and Annette's Excellent European Adventure: Republic of San Marino

This morning we left Bologna in a rental car for a week in the countryside. Today's plan was to go to Ravenna, Rimini and stay the night in San Marino. A little Lancia 5 speed and we are off and running. Getting the hang of Italian driving pretty quick. Round-abouts are great; if you miss the sign just keep going in a circle until you figure it out. We did that a time or three...

We arrived in Ravenna and had learned the signs for Centro (center of city) so we negotiated to the parking area near town. We didn't quite know where to go so we stopped in a little mom-pop deli and asked. They spoke NO english but really wanted to help us. He found a map and with a lot of pointing and drawing dots he gave us great directions. I love the Italians!

The cold and wind chased us here too so it was not real pleasant walk around but was still an adventure. We found a place to eat (again no English) but we pointed and used sign language to get a very good hot panini type thing. Finding our way back to the car (yeah!!!) we headed out; crazy one way streets but finally found our way to the main highway to Rimini.

Not feeling like we had seen a sign for Rimini for a while we stopped at a gas station to ask directions. A guy vacuuming his car was kind to help us even though, he too, spoke not one word of English. We were on the right road and our worries were unfounded. As we were driving I saw a sign for a McCafe (not like American McDonalds) so we stopped for a latte and cookie to boost our energy.

Back on the road and into Rimini. We located the centro and a parking spot. As we were walking around we did a lot of people watching because the stores were still closed for their afternoon siesta (1-4 PM) It is just so foreign to us that they do this.

On our way to San Marino we could see, in the distance, the giant rock on which the old town was built. It is very impressive. The road climbing up is steep and lots of sharp turns as we ride 2,400 feet to the top. We parked in a lot just outside one of the gates and stepped into one of the most magnificent ancient towns on earth. The views are absolutely spectacular; indescribable! The buildings and streets are meticulously maintained. I told Annette it was almost like this is all make-believe fantasy. Our hotel is at the highest point with only the tower wall above us.

Walking the streets and visiting the shops we learned more about the Republic of San Marino. It is the oldest Republic in the world, dating back to 305 AD. One of the richest countries in the world, a surplus of funds and no debt (imagine that!), the lowest unemployment and an average income of over 55k for their 32,000 residents. The prices at the shops are very reasonable since there is not the 20% VAT on everything.

We found a great place for dinner with a view out over the valley and a wood-burning fire close by. A very good Sangiovese wine, 2 course dinner and desert for 45 Euro; not bad at all (no charge for the table or the bread like other European restaurants). (Yes Beth - we did go over budget on this one!) A short walk after dinner to enjoy the sunset, but the cold breeze sent us back to the hotel for the night.

I knew very little about this jewel of a location, but now would highly recommend at least one night here to anyone who is traveling in Italy.